Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a large amount of power for the price, providing significant headroom
- Soundstaging is broad, with good depth and height
- Bass is tight, controlled, and impactful after proper break-in
- Warm sound signature
- Solid build quality
Product Considerations
- Requires a significant break-in period (around 80 hours) to overcome initial harshness or brightness
- The bright blue light around the power button can be bothersome
- At high volumes, may excite room resonances
- Lower binding posts on the back may be too close to the chassis for some speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Parasound Halo A 23: The Rotel sounds warmer, while the Parasound is more precise and smooth
Takeaway: The Rotel RB-1582 MKII is a powerful amplifier with a warm sound that can provide a lot of clean sound for the money. It would be a good choice for softening an overly analytical system or powering an already comfortable-sounding system.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
RB-1582 MkII
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 431 × 144 × 407 mm (17" × 5.7" × 16")
- Front Panel Height: 3U / 132.6 mm (5.25")
- Power Requirements: 120 V, 60 Hz
- Power Consumption: 550 W
- Idle Power Consumption: 60 W
- Standby Power Consumption: 0.5 W
- Net Weight: 17.6 kg (39 lbs.)
- BTU Rating (4 Ω, 1/8th power): 1104 BTU/h
- Power Output: 200 W/Ch (8 Ω), 323 W/Ch (4 Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.03% (20 Hz – 20k Hz)
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 100k Hz ± 0.5 dB
- S/N Ratio: 116 dB (IHF "A" Weighted)
- Gain RCA: 26.5 dB
- Gain XLR: 22.5 dB
- Intermodulation Distortion: < 0.03% (60 Hz : 7k Hz, 4:1)
- Damping Factor: 800
- Speaker Impedance: 4 Ω minimum
- Input Sensitivity Line Level (RCA): 1.9 V
- Input Sensitivity Line Level (XLR): 3.0 V
- Input Impedance Line Level (RCA): 12k Ω
- Input Impedance Line Level (XLR): 100k Ω
Description
Rotel's next largest stereo amplifier at 200 Watts per channel provides the massive current to drive the very largest Hi-Fi systems effortlessly. And like its smaller brother, the RB-1582 MkII has been designed to excel at resolving the subtle details in music as well as supplying the brawn required for extremely dynamic passages.
At 2 x 200 Watts per channel and utilizing Rotel's Balanced Design Concept for superior performance, the RB-1582 MkII is a compelling stereo amplifier.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Rotel manufactures its own toroidal transformers, allowing precise control over power delivery and contributing to the robust build quality of their products.
- They frequently incorporate a fully functional moving magnet phono stage into their amplifiers, catering to vinyl enthusiasts with a high signal-to-noise ratio.
- Rotel products offer a "straightforward" design philosophy that prioritizes excellent sound quality and ease of use, rather than extensive customization options.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Rotel S14
- Positioning: An integrated network streamer, offering an all-in-one solution for music streaming.
- Description: Provides convenient access to a vast catalog of online music, delivering 150 Watts of Class AB power. Features a 32-bit ESS DAC for high-resolution audio. Compared to other Rotel products, the integration of streaming services and Roon Ready certification provides a seamless experience for those prioritizing ease of use and modern connectivity.
Rotel RAS-5000
- Positioning: A high-performance integrated streaming amplifier designed to enhance home entertainment systems.
- Description: Offers 220 Watts of Class AB power. Includes advanced features like HDMI ARC and aptX HD Bluetooth, distinguishing it from other Rotel models by providing superior connectivity options for home theater setups.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
476
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
4
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
35
Founding Year
1957
Our take on the brand
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Rotel
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What if you spend more?
Rotel
RMB-1585MKII
4299
4299
/
2
Reviews
Rotel’s new RMB-1585MKII 5-channel amplifier continues our heritage of producing high power, audiophile performance amplifiers for multi-channel systems. The RMB-1585MKII delivers unparalleled performance with 5-channels of Rotel Class AB amplification rated at 210 Watts per channel into 8 ohms and an impressive 340 Watts per channel into 4 ohms with all channels driven.
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The RMB-1585MKII delivers 210W per channel at 8 ohms or 340W per channel at 4 ohms, all channels driven
- An oversized toroidal transformer and 120,000µF of filter capacitance ensure clean and solid power delivery
- Thermostat-controlled, variable-speed, low-noise fans keep the amplifier cool
- A bi-amping option is available using channels 1, 2, 4, and 5
- Both RCA and XLR inputs are supported
Product Considerations
- At very close range, a faint hiss can be heard from the tweeter when using the Rotel, though it is not noticeable during regular use
- If not properly ventilated, turning off the fans could shorten the amplifier's lifespan
- Its weight of 82lbs may require assistance when moving or installing
- Those seeking a warm, buttery tube sound or holographic presentation of class-A designs may want to consider other options
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Anthem AZ7000ES receiver, the RMB-1585MKII produces a bigger soundstage with cleaner details, especially when pushed loud—and a more three-dimensional sound
Takeaway: The Rotel RMB-1585MKII is a powerful amplifier that provides clean and dynamic sound for a home theater or music system. Its robust build and features, like the bi-amping option and cooling system, make it a great choice for taking any system to the next level.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Rotel
RMB-1587MKII
4499
4499
/
1
Reviews
Rotel’s new RMB-1587MKII 7-channel amplifier furthers our heritage of producing high powered, high current, exceptionally manufactured Class AB amplifiers for multi-channel systems. The RMB-1587MKII delivers 7 channels of Class AB amplification at 155 Watts per channel into 8 ohms and drives 4 ohm speakers with over 250 Watts per channel, all channels driven.
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Oversized Toroidal transformer allows it to produce the dynamics of a movie soundtrack without running out of power or clipping, keeping distortion low at all volumes
- Smart auto-switching XLR and RCA inputs make installation a simple plug-and-play process
- High-quality gold-plated binding posts for each channel allow users to choose banana plugs or spades
- Thermostat-controlled variable speed low-noise fans keep the amplifier cool, especially when installed in tight rack spaces
Product Considerations
- Turning the fans off might be an option if placed in the listening room and well-ventilated, but it will make the amplifiers run hotter and could shorten their lifespan if the fans are turned off without proper ventilation
- This Rotel is not for someone who likes a warm and buttery tube sound or wants the holographic presentation of great class-A designs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs inexpensive class D multi-channel amplifiers, the RMB-1587MKII has a solidity to its sound that one won't find in some of the inexpensive class D multi-channel amplifiers
- Soundstage and imaging were solid—only bettered by much more expensive amplifiers that are dedicated to two-channel audio
Takeaway: The RMB-1587MKII is a solid option for people wanting to take their theater system to the next level, because it delivers clean, solid power with smart features. It will give users years of trouble-free enjoyment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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NAD
M23
3749
3749
/
13
Reviews
Building on NAD’s long tradition of identifying and developing cutting-edge amplification technology, the M23 HybridDigital Stereo Power Amplifier features Purifi Audio’s Eigentakt™ design, a once-in-a-decade innovation that virtually eliminates harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Noise is inaudible, for a completely black background and exquisite micro-detail. Conservatively rated at 2x200W continuous into 8 ohms and 2x380W into 4 ohms, the M23 can deliver live performance levels through any loudspeaker. With its unique combination of features, performance, and value, the M23 represents the new benchmark for the stereo power amplifier.
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The M23's build quality feels solid and elegant, with impressive small design details
- The sound is striking in its purity and clarity
- It offers up to three levels of gain, switchable on the back panel, to best fit the system
- It provides a clear sound without sounding hard
- It features Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplification, which provides virtually unmeasurable distortion levels
Product Considerations
- The bass is clean but may be perceived as a little on the cool side and not as 'wompy-sounding'
- The M23 is not a forgiving amplifier that makes everything sound sweet and wonderful—it's not for those seeking a soft and mellow sound
- Bridging with speakers below 5 or 6 ohms is not recommended, as the amp will current limit and potentially shut down
- The reviewer found ergonomical challenges using fancy speaker cables in bridged mode due to wide terminal spacing
- The capacitive touch power button can accidentally trigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bel Canto C6i: The M23 offered a layer of refinement and better reproduction of the recording space
- Vs Pass XA25: The M23 had more transparent sound and detail, especially in the treble and upper mids, but lacked the organic quality of the XA25
- Vs HiFi Rose RS 520: The M23 sounded cleaner and had better separation/depth, HiFi Rose seemed to have an EQ built-in, emphasizing midrange and bass
- Vs NAD C298: The M23 is more neutral, deals with decay more naturally, and has better casework, making it look high-end
- Vs Anthem M1 monoblock amplifiers: The M23 was slightly more transparent throughout the entire frequency range
- Vs Bryston 4B 3: The Bryston had more grunt but the M23 is more neutral
Takeaway: The NAD M23 is a powerful and precise amplifier that delivers clean and clear sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want to hear their music as accurately as possible. It is especially well-suited for those looking to build a high-end system around a quality preamp or DAC.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Parasound
Halo A52+
4199
4199
/
9
Reviews
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers ample, clean, and dynamic power to all channels, ensuring speakers reach their full potential
- Designed by John Curl, featuring Class A/AB circuitry for a balance of warmth, richness, efficiency, and punch
- Pleasing sound for dialogue and music, with very high-quality and detail
- Versatile, suitable for both movies and music, with a low noise floor for quiet passages and great transparency—that doesn't color the sound
- Built to last, with high-quality internal components
- Signal-sensing power-on mode can be fussy and may require adjustment
Product Considerations
- Super heavy and large, potentially requiring rearranging a system or dedicated rack space
- Only available in anodized black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A52 Plus has bigger parts and bigger power than the Outlaw Model 5000, including balanced XLR connections
- A52 Plus is the 'teenager' compared to the elder Parasound A51
- Parasound A52+ sounds better, is more accurate, and more powerful than the Denon receiver's amplifier section
Takeaway: The Parasound A52+ Halo is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers clean, dynamic sound for both home theater and music systems, with a build quality designed to last. This is a worthy investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek high-quality audio performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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What competes at this price?
Rotel
C8
1999
/
Released
2022
Performance meets efficiency in Rotel's C8 Class AB Custom Installation Amplifier, driving 8- channels of premium audio at 70 Watts per channel, or bridged at 140 Watts into 4-ohm loads utilizing Rotel's proprietary amplification technology.
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Vacuum tube design using four 12AX7A valves, two per channel with stainless steel individual cage surrounds
- Detailed, dynamic, and very musical
- Versatile, bridging the gap between the audiophile and custom install worlds
Product Considerations
- Sound was initially warmer than expected
- May sound too warm for some listeners' preference
- More expensive cables are not always the better option, system compatibility plays a big part
Takeaway: The C8 offers a unique combination of tube and solid-state technology, providing detailed and dynamic sound. It is a great option for those looking for a musical and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Rotel
RB-1552 MkII
1499
/
Released
The RB-1552 MkII is a 130 Watt per channel class AB amplifier. It is engineered to be powerful and robust, yet able to extract every last nuance out of even the most complex musical score.
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 130 watts per channel, which is considered 'pretty good'
- Offers both balanced and unbalanced inputs, providing flexibility in connectivity
- Internal design allows easy access to components (capacitors) for repairs
- Is described as 'solid built', implying good construction quality
- Soundstage is much bigger, has more instrument separation, and perhaps a little more bass extension
Product Considerations
- Front ventilation is mostly aesthetic, with a plastic piece blocking airflow
- At a retail price of $1399, it's a more expensive option compared to some competitors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The RB-1552MK2 has a bigger soundstage, more instrument separation, and more highs compared to the Schiit Vidar
Takeaway: The Rotel RB-1552MK2 is a well-built amplifier that delivers a bigger soundstage and better instrument separation. More musical information and clarity could be achieved with this amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Galion
TS A75
1495
/
Released
2024
The performance of this amplifier is so good that you will question whether the significantly more expensive amplifier you are currently shopping for is truly better than this one; for those who prefer XLR, the TS A75 comes with both XLR and RCA inputs.
Galion Audio designs amplifiers with truly balanced architecture and tube-like sound characteristics, featuring unique controls for feedback levels and tone adjustments that avoid typical tonal discoloration. Their amplifiers are distinguished by robust power supplies with dual toroidal transformers and the ability to switch between Class A and Class AB modes, which is rare in their price range.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a tube-like sound, with a warm and musical presentation
- Robust power supply with substantial capacitance (200,000 microfarads) provides good bass control and dynamics
- Transparent and precise sound, with a wide and deep soundstage
- Balanced design with both RCA and XLR inputs, the latter offering a cleaner and more dynamic sound
- Offers excellent value, outperforming other amplifiers in a similar price range
Product Considerations
- Requires a pre-amplifier to control volume
- May exhibit slight transformer noise when close to the unit
- Does not have pop control, requiring caution when plugging/unplugging connections
- Some reviewers found the logo placement slightly off-center and the blue LED power light too bright
- Bass control is not as punchy or defined for some tastes, leaning towards a tube-like bass delivery
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The TSA-75 has a different, more flavorful sound signature compared to the Orchard Audio's neutral sound
- The TSA-75 provides superior micro detail, cleanliness, clarity, and stereo imaging, compared to Schiit Audio Vidar 2
- Performance is head-to-head with the Denafrips Thalo, depending on sound preference—the more balanced, snappy presentation of the Thalo, or the more V-shaped sound with greater depth and soundstage of the TSA-75
- The TSA-75 has a distinct sound signature, unlike Emotiva amps
- The TSA-75 outperforms the McIntosh MC275 Mark VI in audiophile performance
Takeaway: The Galion Audio TS A75 is a well-built amplifier that delivers a warm, tube-like sound with good bass and a wide soundstage. It provides excellent value and is a great choice for those looking for a musical and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Galion Audio designs amplifiers with truly balanced architecture and tube-like sound characteristics, featuring unique controls for feedback levels and tone adjustments that avoid typical tonal discoloration. Their amplifiers are distinguished by robust power supplies with dual toroidal transformers and the ability to switch between Class A and Class AB modes, which is rare in their price range.
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Schiit
Tyr
1399
/
Released
2022
Tyr is a monstrous, old-skool, crazy heavy, over-the-top mono speaker amplifier. It uses the best of today's and yesterday's technologies to create something totally unique—and It has enough power to run almost anything.
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Robust, effortless power with excellent control makes it easy to drive all speakers with authority and deliver a satisfying listening experience.
- Balanced and neutral sound, with a solid low end that prevents it from sounding dull or anemic, while also ensuring it is not too aggressive to cause listening fatigue.
- Excellent timing makes music engaging and foot-tapping, and is particularly impressive with genres such as R&B and soundtracks.
- Built in the USA, it has a 5 year warranty and 15 day satisfaction guarantee
Product Considerations
- Not ideal for listeners seeking a romantic, sweet, and smooth midrange, or those who prefer a very lively sound.
- The amp required careful system matching to achieve its full potential, particularly needing a high-end preamp to unlock greater refinement and resolution.
- Bass performance might be seriously challenged by more modern amplifiers.
- There is a slight differential in gain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Emotiva A1s, the Tyr has more bass, more clarity in the bass, and is less veiled overall
- Reminiscent of McIntosh 7270—the Tyr gives off similar 'Mac vibes'.
Takeaway:
The Schiit Tyr monoblocks deliver a lot of power and control, making music sound good with a balanced and neutral style. It's a great option for an amplifier that can handle almost any speaker and is versatile.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Topping
DX9
1299
/
Released
2023
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Breathtaking design with curved corners, symmetrical front faceplate, and a glass component revealing internal circuitry
- Powerful headphone amplifier capable of outputting up to 10W at 16Ω and 7W at 32Ω
- Good sound quality, described as clean, detailed, and punchy, with a balanced tonal presentation
- CNC machined aluminum remote control with rubber buttons
- Multiple inputs and outputs, including 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and 4-pin XLR outputs on the front, and optical, coaxial, AES, IIS, USB, and Bluetooth on the back, with RCA and XLR outputs for lineout and preamplifier lineouts
Product Considerations
- Glass top panel gets hotter than the aluminum housing
- The glass panel is a fingerprint magnet and requires cleaning regularly
- No analog line-in to pair the amplifier with 3rd party DACs
- No streaming capability via WiFi or LAN
- Some menu navigation can be cumbersome, requiring cycling through options rather than direct selection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Topping A90 and D90 stack, the DX9 has similar inputs, outputs and power, but the stack is more versatile, as the amp and DAC can be used separately— the DX9 has additional coaxial and optical inputs, and the sound is somewhat similar
- Compared to the HIFIMAN EF400, the DX9 has more inputs/outputs and more power, but the EF400 sounds warmer
- Compared to the Topping D90SE, the DX9 sounds more fun, its bass and midrange has more energy and oomph, but the D90SE is more transparent, though ultimately quite flat
- Compared to the AURALiC Altair G2.1, the DX9 sounds cleaner and better separated, with a small reduction in digital hash
Takeaway: The Topping DX9 is a beautiful and powerful all-in-one DAC/amp that offers a clean and detailed sound, making it suitable for both headphone and speaker setups. Its versatility and attractive design make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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